Monday, 27 July 2009

Zombies versus Gooners and more news

As I wait for kick off I felt the need to comment on John Terry's pathetic defense of his extensive silence, is there a single soul alive who believes that this despicable chav loves Chelsea as his thieving mother? If Terry loved Chelsea he would have spoken out immediately to refute the rumours, he did not, he was silent, his silence spoke volumes for me. This will undoubtedly mean that the Toure-City rumours will not go away. Fergie revealed in the Sunday papers that Adebayor tried to dump city for United having agreed terms with City, that'll further endear him with the City fans I feel.

Elsewhere poor old John Hartson is apparently improving following brain surgery for testicular cancer that has spread, best of luck John. The shoddy media coverage of the shady Usmanov and his underlings has been commented upon here recently, read Arseblogger's essential piece on the BBC's appalling conflicts of interest in this regard, the 'Holic also has some interesting things to say too. Overall it's pathetic what gets passed off as 'journalism' at times, the BBC should now much better than allowing this propaganda to be passed off as objective reporting.

The starting line up against SzombathelyiHaladas was Mannone, Eboue, Toure, Djourou, Traore, Wilshere, Denilson, Ramsey, Song, Eduardo, Bendtner. Obviously there was a fair bit of rust on show, the centre backs didn't look at their sharpest positionally, of note it was fantastic to see Eduardo back and raring to go. A neat move saw us concede early on but the linesman was generous, the goal disallowed. Traore, who looked excellent offensively, supplied a great cross which Bendtner headed firmly and low into the net, 1-0. Eduardo dispatched a second not long after the first, firing into the bottom corner from the edge of the box, the keeper had no chance, 2-0. Eduardo particularly shone, looking keen to get on the ball at all times and razor sharp in front of goal, one stinging left foot volley from an angle demonstrative of the natural finesse in front of goal that this man possesses. Song looked strong in central midfield.

The Hungarians certainly weren't afraid to try to injure our players, one lunge on Wilshere showed just how dangerous and unsporting this game was going to be. Eduardo then banged in a sensational free kick from about 25 yards after Bendtner had been hacked down in typically agricultural fashion, 3-0. Bendtner then got in on the act with a powerful low finish from outside the box, he does appear a lot stronger and more mature than in previous seasons, hopefully this can be his year, 4-0. Then half time came. Overall very impressive stuff from the strikers in the first forty five.

The second half saw Phil Senderos start in his new holding midfield role, Mascherano eat your heart out. Wilshere swapped flanks to allow Arshavin to play on the right side, Senderos partnered Ramsey in the middle, RVP came on to partner Eduardo. A completely new back four emerged which consisted of Sagna, Gallas, Vermaelen, Silvestre with Szcezesny between the sticks.

We dominated possession more in the second period, RVP eventually adding a fifth from the spot after the re-emergent Bendtner had been fouled when clean through on the keeper, 5-0. After that I lost a bit of interest and regained a bit of sanity, this is merely pre season, I should remember it's just about match fitness, my mouth is watering for the start of the competitive action though. The match finished with some excellent comedy, Gallas gave away a penalty when he hadn't even touched his man, the penalty taker slipped as he kicked and the ball trickled harmlessly wide at walking speed.

Overall a good workout. Several positives but several big questions remain. Our strikers look sharp and ready for action, we have a wealth of options in attacking midfield, we have numerous excellent full backs, young Szcezesny looks a capable young keeper, Alex Song is looking very very strong. However who is our best centre back pairing? Does even Arsene know? And who can cover for Song in the holding role? I am sure Arsene has a few ideas, I will wait with interest.

Bendtner looks REALLY good. Scores 1st goal, sets up Eduardo for 2nd goal. Draws foul for Eduardo to score the 3ed from free kick. Scores 4th goal (and was part of the build up play). Draws penalty for 5th goal. Hugely effective game for him. Can he do it against a better defence? I think Arsene wants to find out.